Oh, weeknights! I swear they get crazier every year, right? Finding a dinner that’s actually good for you, tastes amazing, AND doesn’t take three hours to make can feel like a superpower. That’s exactly why I’m SO excited to share my go-to Ground Beef Cauliflower Rice Casserole with you. Seriously, this dish is a lifesaver. It’s hearty, packed with flavor, and sneakily low-carb, so you feel good about what you’re eating without sacrificing taste. I remember making this for the first time thinking it wouldn’t impress my picky eaters, but wow, was I wrong! It quickly became a family favorite, proving that simple, wholesome ingredients can really shine. If you’re looking for a new go-to that’ll make your busy evenings so much easier, you’ve found it!
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Cauliflower Rice Casserole
Seriously, if you need a dinner that ticks all the boxes without a ton of fuss, this Ground Beef Cauliflower Rice Casserole is it! It’s become one of my absolute favorites for so many reasons:
- Super Speedy Prep: Most of the work is just basic chopping and browning. You can have this mixed up and ready for the oven in about 15 minutes, tops!
- Minimal Cleanup Choreographer: Since it’s mostly a one-skillet wonder before it hits the oven, you’re not drowning in a sink full of dishes afterwards. My kind of weeknight win!
- Satisfying & Hearty: Don’t let the cauliflower rice fool you – this casserole is filling! The ground beef and creamy cheese make it feel like a real treat.
- Healthy-ish & Low-Carb Heaven: This is where it gets really good. Swapping out regular rice for cauliflower rice cuts down on carbs big time, but you get all the comfort of a classic casserole. Perfect for when you’re watching what you eat.
- So Versatile: Feel free to toss in other veggies you have hanging around! Bell peppers, a handful of spinach, corn – they all work. It’s pretty forgiving, which I love.
- Family Approved Flavor: Even my pickiest eaters gobble this up. The savory beef, tangy tomatoes, and gooey cheese are just a fantastic combo that almost everyone loves.
Ingredients for Your Ground Beef Cauliflower Rice Casserole
Alright, here’s what you’ll need to whip up this easy-peasy Ground Beef Cauliflower Rice Casserole. Trust me, these are all pretty standard pantry staples, but they come together for something truly yummy!
- 1 pound ground beef (I usually go for 80/20, it has just enough yummy fat to make it flavorful!)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained (Don’t drain the juice, that’s where a lot of the flavor hides!)
- 1 cup cauliflower rice (You can totally buy it pre-riced, fresh or frozen, or make your own if you’re feeling ambitious! About half a small head should do it.)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (Or Monterey Jack, or a mix! Whatever melty cheese you love.)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Ground Beef Cauliflower Rice Casserole
Okay, let’s get this deliciousness in the oven! Making this Ground Beef Cauliflower Rice Casserole seriously couldn’t be easier. You’ll be amazed at how quickly this comes together, perfect for when you’re on a weeknight dinner mission. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have a crowd-pleasing meal in no time. For a little extra inspiration on quick bites, you can always check out some fun coffee drinks too!
Preheating and Browning the Beef
First things first, let’s get that oven nice and toasty! Preheat it to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, grab a big skillet and toss in your pound of ground beef. We want to cook it over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it browns. Once it’s all browned, carefully drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants a greasy casserole, right? Gotta keep it a little lighter!
Sautéing Aromatics for the Ground Beef Cauliflower Rice Casserole
Now, into that same skillet (less dishes, yay!) add your chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook them with the beef drippings for about 5 minutes, stirring now and then, until they’re nice and soft and smell absolutely amazing. This is where the real flavor foundation for your Ground Beef Cauliflower Rice Casserole starts to build. Don’t rush this little step; it makes a big difference!
Combining Ingredients and Simmering
Time to bring it all together! Stir in the undrained can of diced tomatoes. Yep, all of it – juice and all! Now, add your cup of cauliflower rice, a generous pinch of salt, and a good grind of black pepper. Give it all a good stir to combine everything. Let this mixture come to a gentle simmer for a couple of minutes. This step helps the cauliflower rice soften up just a bit and lets all those flavors meld beautifully for the best Ground Beef Cauliflower Rice Casserole ever.
Assembling and Baking the Casserole
Once it’s simmering happily, carefully transfer the whole mixture from the skillet into your favorite baking dish. I usually use a standard 8×8 inch dish. Now for the best part – the cheese! Sprinkle that half cup of shredded cheddar cheese all over the top. Slide that dish into your preheated oven and bake it for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is all melted, bubbly, and maybe even a little golden brown around the edges. Mmm, perfection!
Tips for the Best Ground Beef Cauliflower Rice Casserole
Alright, let’s elevate this from just good to absolutely AMAZING! I’ve made this Ground Beef Cauliflower Rice Casserole more times than I can count, and I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way. If you want to make sure yours turns out perfectly every single time, listen up!
First off, about that watery casserole dread? Don’t let it happen! If you’re using frozen cauliflower rice, make sure it’s really well-drained. I sometimes even give it a gentle squeeze in a paper towel after thawing. Also, when you’re browning that beef, make sure you drain off as much grease as possible. Less liquid means a thicker, heartier casserole. Trust me on this one!
And don’t be afraid to really get in there with the onions and garlic. Letting them soften up nicely in the skillet before you add the tomatoes and cauliflower rice adds this incredible depth of flavor that you just can’t get otherwise. It’s a small step, but it makes a huge difference in the final taste of your Ground Beef Cauliflower Rice Casserole.
Oh, and for a little extra oomph, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when you add the salt and pepper – it gives it a lovely little kick without being too spicy. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top before serving adds a nice pop of color and freshness. For more inspiration on fun flavor combos, maybe check out a classic margarita recipe while you’re meal prepping!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Let’s chat about these ingredients for a sec! While the recipe calls for specific things, this Ground Beef Cauliflower Rice Casserole is pretty forgiving. If you can’t find a certain ingredient or want to switch things up, here are a few ideas.
Ground Beef: I usually use 80/20 for the best flavor and moisture, but 90/10 works if you’re looking to lighten it up even more. Just make sure to drain that fat really well! If beef isn’t your jam, ground turkey or even crumbled Italian sausage are super tasty alternatives.
Cauliflower Rice: You can totally use fresh or frozen pre-riced cauliflower. If you’re making your own, just pulse cauliflower florets in a food processor until they resemble rice. Watch out, though – fresh cauliflower rice has more moisture, so drain it extra well!
Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but seriously, use what you love! Monterey Jack, Colby, a Mexican blend, or even some mozzarella would be delicious. Just make sure it’s a good melting cheese!
Serving Suggestions for Your Casserole
This Ground Beef Cauliflower Rice Casserole is pretty much a meal in itself, but if you want to round things out, I’ve got you covered! A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is always a winner – it adds a nice freshness to counter the richness. Steamed broccoli or green beans are also fantastic pairings. And honestly, a big dollop of sour cream or even some Greek yogurt right on top? Chef’s kiss! For a refreshing non-alcoholic drink to go with it, you could try this yummy cucumber mint cooler!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers of this amazing Ground Beef Cauliflower Rice Casserole? Lucky you! Let’s make sure they stay delicious. Once it’s cooled down after baking, pop any extra into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It should keep nicely for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, you can pop a portion in the microwave for a minute or two until it’s warmed through, or if you want it to have that fresh-from-the-oven vibe, heat it in a baking dish at around 350°F (175°C) until it’s bubbly again. Easy peasy!
Frequently Asked Questions about Ground Beef Cauliflower Rice Casserole
Got questions about this delicious Ground Beef Cauliflower Rice Casserole? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the things folks ask me most often.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! This casserole is a meal-prep dream. You can totally assemble the whole thing (before baking, of course) and pop it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just make sure it’s covered tightly. When you’re ready to bake, you might need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time since it’ll be starting out cold. So worth it on a busy night though!
Can I freeze this casserole?
You sure can! I find it freezes best *after* it’s been baked and cooled. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or freeze the whole dish if you have a good oven-safe container with a lid. When you want to reheat it from frozen, just pop it into a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 30-40 minutes, or until it’s heated through. It’s a lifesaver for those nights you absolutely cannot cook. Check out this yummy strawberry basil margarita recipe for a fun drink to go with your easy meal!
What can I use instead of ground beef?
Great question! If ground beef isn’t your favorite, you’ve got options. Ground turkey or ground chicken work really well and keep it light and lean. You could even try crumbled Italian sausage for a different flavor profile – just adjust the salt accordingly since sausage can be salty already. I haven’t tried vegetarian crumbles, but I bet those would work great too!
Is this recipe truly low-carb?
You bet! The star player here, cauliflower rice, is naturally low in carbs and replaces traditional rice or potatoes. When you factor in the ground beef and relatively small amount of cheese and tomatoes, this Ground Beef Cauliflower Rice Casserole is definitely a fantastic low-carb, keto-friendly (depending on your carb goals!), and generally healthier option compared to many traditional casseroles. It’s a great way to enjoy comfort food without all the extra carbs.
Nutritional Information (Estimated)
Just a heads-up, this is an estimate and can vary depending on the specific brands you use and your exact portion size. But, for a tasty serving of this Ground Beef Cauliflower Rice Casserole, you’re looking at roughly:
- Calories: Around 350
- Protein: About 30g
- Fat: Approximately 20g
- Carbohydrates: Roughly 10g
- Fiber: Around 3g
It’s a pretty great balance for a hearty, flavorful meal that’s also lighter on the carbs!
Share Your Ground Beef Cauliflower Rice Casserole Creations!
Okay, now it’s YOUR turn! I absolutely LOVE seeing what you all make in your kitchens. Did you try this Ground Beef Cauliflower Rice Casserole? Did you jazz it up with some extra veggies or maybe a different cheese? Please, please, PLEASE leave a comment down below and tell me all about it! If you snapped a pic, share it on social media and tag me – I’d be thrilled to see your creation! Making this feels like a little party in the kitchen, and I’d love for you to join in.
For a fun drink to pair with your meal, why not whip up a refreshing spicy watermelon mojito? Cheers!
Print
Ground Beef Cauliflower Rice Casserole
- Total Time: 45 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A simple and flavorful casserole made with ground beef and cauliflower rice.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup cauliflower rice
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, cauliflower rice, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- For a spicier casserole, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- You can substitute other vegetables like bell peppers or corn.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: ground beef, cauliflower rice, casserole, easy dinner, low carb